A thread-based electrofluidic platform for direct transfer, separation, and pre-concentration of materials from
Arushi Manchanda1,2, Vipul Gupta1,2, Liang Wu1,2
1Australian Centre for Research on Separation Science (ACROSS), School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart 7001, Australia. brett.paull@utas.edu.au.
The Analyst
|March 7, 2023
Summary
A novel thread-based electrofluidics platform enables direct sample transfer, electrophoretic separation, and pre-concentration from swabs. This method efficiently analyzes various analytes, including DNA from blood, showcasing high transfer efficiencies for diverse sample types.
Area of Science:
- Electrokinetics
- Analytical Chemistry
- Microfluidics
Background:
- Traditional sample preparation methods can be complex and time-consuming.
- Direct analysis from swabs presents challenges in analyte transfer and pre-concentration.
- Electrofluidic techniques offer potential for simplified sample handling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel platform for direct sample transfer, electrophoretic separation, and pre-concentration from swabs.
- To investigate the influence of swab-thread interactions on transfer efficiency.
- To validate the platform for analyzing biological samples like DNA.
Main Methods:
- Development of a thread-based electrofluidic platform for direct sample manipulation.
- Exploration of various swab and thread material combinations to optimize analyte transfer.
- Electrophoretic separation and pre-concentration of analytes, including DNA from blood samples.
- Adaptation for multiplexed analysis and direct analysis of dried blood samples.
Main Results:
- Achieved high transfer efficiencies (up to 98%) for fluorescein using optimized swab-thread combinations.
- Demonstrated successful transfer of both liquid and dry samples, with or without electrolytes.
- Validated the platform for DNA transfer, separation, and pre-concentration from blood.
- Successfully analyzed dried blood samples using a commercial device.
Conclusions:
- The developed thread-based electrofluidic platform offers an efficient method for direct sample transfer, separation, and pre-concentration from swabs.
- Physicochemical interactions significantly impact transfer efficiency, necessitating careful selection of swab and thread materials.
- The platform shows promise for simplified and sensitive analysis of various analytes, including DNA from biological samples.
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